DONE!

It is finally finished! I finished my introduction, my results and my conclusion (although I'm not too proud of how it turned out) and it is done!

I am turning it in today, and hope for the best. For now, farewell!

Almost over.

I have finally gotten started on my introduction and have made some progress with it- I'm trying to work day by day to give time to the other loads of work I have to do (math particularly, and Psych). I still haven't started on my results or conclusion and I'm hoping time won't turn against me within the next two weeks as the semester starts coming to a close. I'm rushing, but I haven't started to panick yet--especially since I guess I really do work better under a little pressure.

I'm going to have to present what I have thus far on a board within the next couple of days. Thankfully I finished most of what I have to do for the ARP to put up on my board but I'm hoping the results won't play as a major factor... hopefully not. Otherwise I'm still working on collecting some things to put up that might be important, like surveys of my said results as well as photos of the observation I suppose, and I've set out a layout in my mind... it will be simple. Hopefully it will all work out well.

Too much!

I can't believe how overwhelmed I have been the last few days!

Especially while working on Grace's project for persuasion, I have had absolutely no time. In fact, in the last five days (Thursday afternoon through late Monday night) I have practically been living at STU! I mean, in the last five days I've been on campus working since 8:00 am to 8, sometimes 11:00 pm on the darn thing with the rest of my group. We are exhausted and have all sacrificed assignments in order to try and get this done... it's been terrible, but the day it will all be over is coming close.

But because of this assignment I was unable to complete the original observation I had been planning for. There was just absolutely NO TIME to go to Wilton Manor like I planned, so instead, I decided to do it on the LGBT event I attended Thursday, and at the same time adjusted two of my original guiding research questions:

1.) How have perceptions of LGBT changed in the past ten years?

2.) Through out the past ten years, has there been a development of LGBT tolerance in South Florida?

I'm not quite sure if I like the wording of the second question, but it rests along those lines.

But otherwise I havent gotten much else done in regards to class. I am STILL working on developing the Introduction to the RP, I haven't touched methodology (though I could easily do it in a couple of hours if I just had the time to sit and do so) and I've started writing the survey results but am nowhere near finished or even half way done, sad to say. I am disappointed in myself and how little I've completed, but amongst my troubles with stats class, this other project and all the things to do... I just don't know.

I only know I have to keep trying and make the time.

Interviews and survey upcoming results.

I still have a lot to do regarding my ARP, as well as my multimodule writings. However, considering how it start with my survey, I'm doing pretty well getting results. I've already had a whole twenty two people take the survey thus far and I hope there will still be more to come. I had hoped for a lot more but it's not bad considering all things.

I also had to drop half of the interviewees I had in mind. One due to a lack of time and other circumstances, and the second due to him not seeming to want to do the interview as well as a wide length of time between his responses being unacceptible amongst other things in his replies. But I'm happy I was able to successfully finish one, and I am on my way to doing the second which will be done on Monday. That's the day before interview results are due though, and because of work I'm worried I won't be able to finish transcribing and coding the latter... but I have nothing to lose by trying I guess. Plus I am going to talk to my manager to get Tuesdays and Thursdays off until the end of the semester so I have a little more time on my hands for projects.

The observation, I probably won't have due on time. I've talked to a friend willing to take me to Wilton Manor to do my observation on LGBT (what I will observe exactly, I am unsure as of yet) but due to scheduling conflicts and a lack of free time, we still have to work out a time to go together. Here's to hoping I'll be able to manage or at least get some kind of extension so we can make the trip and still get results.

Really, I just hope I'll be able to get everything done on time...

Once more...

I honestly hate to say I haven't made too much progress with my ARP, other than completing the abstract. The methodology won't be so hard but what scares me is the introduction, despite knowing exactly what it is I'd like to write and how I am going to write it. I guess it's a matter of just starting.

My first interview went great, and I managed to record the entire thing on my camera. Working on transcribing it, and coding it afterward.. which will be the hardest thing to do in regards to the interviews. I've tried contacting the one next on my list, but despite having emailed him nearly a week ago, I haven't gotten an answer. I'm debating moving on to the one next in line, or sending another email and waiting. I'm honestly leaning toward the later, since there is very little I need to ask the other after my first interview and I don't have time to wait another week! It just really irritates me that it takes so long just to get a reply... I understand being busy, but after waiting a full week already without a reply at all is unacceptable to me.

What ever happened to courtesy?

I've also sent my survey to the public but am having very little luck having people take it. Only six last time I checked, and I accidently deleted half of my respondent's answers. I'm going to email it to the class again in hopes I'll get more, and start asking my professors next week to see if I can send it out to my other classes as well.

Interviews, yay! 8D

I finally finished setting up the first interview I'll be using for this project, and actually have it tomorrow morning. I'm really excited but also nervous I'm not asking the right questions or won't get enough information. My second concerns revolve around actually collecting the data, because I don't have a tape recorder (at least I won't be getting one in time) and I'll have to type down everything she says. I don't want to forget something or not be able to jot it down (or just screw it up) and miss info that could be regarded as important but I am going to try doing it also on my laptop using the sound recording system... although, the quality isn't exactly all that great even while speaking as loudly as you can without screaming.

I've started writing the abstract for the research paper and although I haven't started the introduction (That's going to have to be huuuge... 1000 words? Oh boy.) I'm starting to feel slightly relieved that the worst part will be over once it's finished, and we are sort of taking it step by step. Multimodule writings won't be hard unless (collection of works that need citations, a poem I plan to try and write, a piece of artwork all of which will be displayed on posterboard) I decide to also make a video and otherwise my survey was approved, so I'll start sending it out ot the public shortly.

Working on...

Surveys and interviews. My survey thus far is just "all right" in my opinion. A total of eight questions has been reduced to six, due ot the other questions being considered unnecessary to my project- not that the questions I left have an exact purpose I completely understand. Otherwise I've decided to include gender, age range, ethnicity and religion into my survey as they are -I realized- an important part of the results although finding what ethnicities to list as options are hard as not to insult anyone. As for interviews, I've taken a step forward and sent out my first proposal to one of the psychology professors. It's already been two days though and I haven't heard a word back- I'm assuming she hasn't gotten to the email yet, but I hope she replies soon. I don't think I can ask the others I plan to interview until after I've established a time with her first due to what limited time I actually have to conduct it.

Although current progress isn't amazing, it's definately starting to move more than before and I'm glad I've started real progress.

Midterms week.

To be honest, I've made very little progress since my last post. Bombarded with work, a wide number of essays and midterms all at once, I've had little to no time to work on setting up an interview. Due to work schedule (amongst other things) and left with only one day I can interview anyone, I'll have to wait until Tuesday when I get my schedule for next week to send out the emails. I'll likely have much more openings then- after all I can't just leave my respondent with nothing but a couple hours in one day to choose from! I have developed a few of my questions though, and have drafted several survey questions for Monday. It's still pretty hard thinking of  the right way to put questions.

I'm trying not to fall behind but know I should have at least set up interview times by now. I'm nervous about that and the interview themselves, hoping I get enough information and what I need--especially since I would really rather not rely on scholarly journals for anymore than a little over than half my research. Mostly because its pretty hard to find any that are recent.

Cordona Breezeway between the times 11:20 and 12:00 am. Observe, observe, observe.

Last class, we were divided into groups and instructed to go out to different parts of the school and observe the level of student activity in those areas, as well as what they were actually doing. My group was sent toward the Law school, namely the Cordona Breezeway. During the brief time I spent studying and observing the large number of students occupying the vicinity (nearly every table was taken or full), the first thing I noticed was all students appeared to sit with their own group of friends, judging by the large amount of chatter at practically every table. At first, the only students that actually appeared to be studying were those by themselves that were left to their own devices. It wasn't until later that the white noise dulled down slightly, and more students at the tables being occupied looked like they were reading or preparing for tests with many tables being covered by texts and papers. The second thing was, despite being right next to a small cafe, almost no one student looked like they were eating or even had food, yet it appeared as though every table had some kind of bottled fluid (mostly water). I also saw very few students actually walk into the cafe, as most remained in their seats--except men. Many men, I saw, would often get up or those that arrived would walk to a table to converse, but although there would be a seat available to sit in, many of those same men would remain standing. Not just for one or two minutes, but for a prolonged period of time before either sitting finally, or leaving the area.

Lastly, another couple of observations I noticed -this time with the help of my group- was that amongst the crowd of students in the Breezeway, only two of the males occupying the space through out the entire time had been black. Also, nearly every student carrying a backpack had it filled completely and most were very large. Compared to undergraduate students, the law students occupying the vicinity were also very rarely on their cell phones either calling or texting.

Prepping for interviews and other stuff, goodie.

I'm still fixing up the last of my interview questions I'm getting prepared for the four I hope to ask questions. The fourth person's questions are actually coming up slower than the rest since I'm really hoping I don't offend them with anything I ask. I feel like I'm over examining everything and I still have to keep finding more sources for my research since I really don't have anything but discrimination this and discrimination that, I still want to find things, a lot of things to shed light on my topic. Although so far it looks like I can only find nothing but the "bad stuff" about it which is extremely disappointing but at the same time helps fuel my motivation, making all the more reason as to why I need to do this and give others another way to look at sexual orientation. Also, due to literally having very little to absolutely no time on my schedule between work and school and attending tutoring and midterms and other projects and essays (Oh my!), I haven't sent any emails asking for interviews yet but depending on my next schedule, I certainly hope to... despite all this I really hope I'm not falling too much behind schedule. Ugh!

Reading for research.

I've started reading the sources I plan to use for my blog, beginning with a scholarly article researching the effects of LGBT in schools and bullying. The annotated bibliography is due soon and I'll have to print out my sources by then so I can read it all. Almost all of them have a range of nine to fourteen pages! I definately have a lot of work on my hands this Friday, but surely it can't be all that hard.

Progress: Bibliography

After having completely finished writing my research proposal, and having my topic approved, I've started thinking of different questions I could prepare for those I plan to interview for my project. I'm not yet sure whether to create the same sheet of questions for each interviewee, or add different questions toward the end depending on the information my interviewee should know based on their field of expertise. Otherwise, I haven't started writing my annotated bibliography- before I do so I'd like to have the time to read a majority of the sources I hope to use so I can write better summaries and evaluations. I'm currently in the process of doing so.

Leisure's Favorite Spot - Amelia Earhart Park, Hialeah

Today during another mock interview used to prepare us for our research projects, I was required to research my interviewee's hometown and ask them questions in regard to the town itself as well as their personal experiences. My interviewee, "Aron" grew up in the city of Hialeah, Florida.

During my research I was actually able to find very little on the city and what little information I did find often revolved around Amelia Earhart park and what are supposed to be its many attractions. Deciding to find out for myself, I asked Aron a wide assortment of questions, usually regarding not only her childhood experiences but also her favorites and not-so-favorite things of Hialeah, and I inquired her more about the attractions I've heard so much about during my brief time researching the small city.

Aron, although born in Miami, has been living in Hialeah for twenty years- more or less since she was born and still does today. Her favorite childhood memories of Hialeah consist of playtime outside, as well as her favorite spot, Mango Hill. Mango Hill was described to me as a very popular hang-out spot amongst young adults and teenagers, often seen as a place to merely relax and spend time with friends that makes you feel safe due to its enclosed area. Otherwise, however, Aron also revealed to me that if she had a choice, rather than favor living in Hialeah she would love to move to Key West, or to another state higher up North- preferably South Carolina.

As a vacation spot, Aron won't recommend coming to Hialeah- houses are cramped together and backyards often appear to be shared between two houses. There is little privacy, and individuals can sometimes (and very easily) appear exposed. Aron also described a strong notion to me during the interview and decided she certainly wouldn't want her children to be raised in this city.

Despite a dislike for Hialeah (her favorite part about it being her fun, childhood memories), Aron loves the person she is today and is grateful toward Hialeah for helping her shape who she was. It will always be a part of her, but through the good and bad, Aron made a very strong point and itrtoduced a factor -rather a place- that makes it all worthwhile: Amelia Earhart Park.

When asked about it, Aron became delighted, obviously showing a very strong admiration for the park, even saying, "It's one of the best things of Hialeah". When she described it, she mentioned that it is the perfect place for leisure and family affairs. It's the perfect spot for a picnic, and the petting zoo is a great hit with small children who'd love to pet their favorite kinds of animals and feed them food for only twenty-five cents. The park itself is an extremely huge area, spotted by various lakes that are great for paddling. Soccer tournaments are usually held there for kids, and there is even a forest specifically for paintballing. Rock climbing is definately accessible to everyone, and when mentioning the other different things you can find in Earhart park, she also mentioned a fake alligator that sits there, decorating a spot near the lake.

Needless to say, and very much like Aron said, Amelia Earhart Park surely is the place to be if you are in Hialeah and is considered one of the best parts of this small city.

Interview Practice

Today in classe we practiced interviewing others in groups on the topic of literacy development. Based on the discussion of my interviewee "Ted", I learned a lot regarding the various ways people like to read, what they like to read and the ways they learned to write as well as a large variety of future goals regarding what a person would like for his or her children and the impact of culture and tradition inside a person's family.

For example, I asked my interviewee a number of questions, including but not limited to the following: When they started reading, what they liked to read and how often, what kind of literacy development did they experience as a child, as well as their experiences learning a second language. I also asked what they would like to plan for their children in the future and whether they'd leave literacy to their own children's interests or directly participate in their learning process.

Ted answered successfully and efficiently to each question, and gave me many answers I didn't expect. For instance, Ted not only started reading in Pre-K, but Ted also learned at home through parents and various Dr. Seuss books. Today Ted enjoys books that are political and have a stronger, "deeper meaning" to their content (for example, Push by Sapphire), but doesn't have as much time to read as is they would like.

Ted is also bilingual, and knows not only English but also Spanish, having learned to speak it as a child inside the house and read and write Spanish at school. Ted is fluent, but today speaks Spanish usually only toward grandparents and clients that are not bilingual and recognize it as their only language. Lastly Ted also supports the program "My Kid Can Read", believing it is a great way to blend today's videogames and other ways to have fun with learning, and thinks it is always best to teach a child to read and write at an early age.

My interview with Ted went  very well and needless to say, I learned a lot from our discussion. After this practice, I feel more confident with my interviewing skills and look forward to planning the interviews I hope to have in the future regarding my research.

Progress!

I've nearly finished my Research Proposal, with all but the Potential Writings and Conclusion done. After writing this I've also gotten more ideas as to what my project will be like, and I have already set out the names of the people I'd like to interview and use as my primary research. I also have more than plenty of questions to help guide my research, most of them focusing on society's views of the LGBT community and also some of the hardships faced that correspond with them. So far I'd say it's working out pretty well, although I haven't exactly taken any real steps to actually starting the interview process. My current focus at the moment is conducting ideas and  "mentally" creating an organized structure for my research plan.

Ideas.

So far I've come up with very few ideas regarding my research topic, and what I want it to be on. I want to focus on a topic unique and separate from other topics, and picked homosexuality (or in order to make it more broad, LGBT) as one of my top choices. After last class' group in-class assignment, me and my partners were able to come up with several questions to help focus and guide the direction I'd like my research to go in. Although I've already started working on the proposition draft, and am still unsure whether I'll go through with my choice so far, one of the questions I've decided would suit best for the project would be, "What 'makes' a person's sexuality?"

Introduction

Welcome to my blog! In this blog I will post weekly news concerning my research project for my Multimodule Writing course and other information in regards to the studies, interviews, and my progress thus far.